Unmasked: The Darcys in Venice. Chapter 25, Mr. Collins Meets Lord Byron

Nobody spoke for a moment. At the sight of Mr. Collins standing in the doorway of Lord Byron’s apartments at the Palazzo Mocenigo, the persons assembled wore expressions ranging from surprise, horror, and pained disdain; but no one looked at all happy. Mr. Collins, who seemed the least distressed, was the first to speak.

“Lady Catherine!” he exclaimed. “This is the residence of Lord Byron you have brought me to, I collect?”

“Yes, to be sure,” she answered him shortly. “I told you it was.”

He bo...